The ruling means a vote to redefine marriage from a union between "spouses" to one between a man and woman only can go ahead.

Romania's top court has given a green light to a referendum that could make it harder for same-sex marriage to be legalised in the country.

The Constitutional Court ruled there is no legal impediment to the 7 October national vote to amend the constitutional definition of "family" from a union of "spouses" to one between a man and woman only.

Romania does not recognise gay marriage or offer legal protection to same-sex couples, and is one of a handful of EU states that do not offer civil partnerships.

Senators approved the referendum last week, after three million Romanians signed a petition demanding the constitutional change.

Some politicians in the socially conservative eastern European country - where the Orthodox Church holds significant influence - want the constitution to be changed on religious grounds.

Several rights groups advocating for equality for same-sex couples including Amnesty International and ILGA-Europe - the European branch of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association - have condemned the referendum.